+ COMMENT: Potholes and cyclists

TNU recently spent a few days in Poland, specifically Krakow and Auschwitz.  The Nazi death camp needs no explanation for our readers, but what became very apparent was the cleanliness of the country and the fine state of the roads.  And the people were most friendly too.  Whilst there are extremes weather wise, for the most part the temperature and rainfall is not dissimilar to the United Kingdom.

And our first point.  There were no potholes.

In this country there is a plague of them and not surprisingly cyclists in particular are up in arms, with court cases pending against local councils. Surely after 134 years of road tax (The Locomotive Duty and the Trade Cart tariff was an addition to the 1888 Budget) research should have been made to ensure that road surfaces are kept to a good standard, as in Poland.  In Britain the potholes are filled every summer, and attacked by frost when winter comes. It’s steady money for the road construction industry.  Where in government is this problem being tackled?

Our second grumble reflecting on Poland.

The UK’s cleanliness “Keep Britain Tidy” is an independent charity with fine intentions but is losing the war against rubbish.  There is of course a government policy, but seemingly little action. Downing Street talks about fines, but just talks. Regional authorities struggle with funds and manpower. Is social hygiene taught at schools?

Finally it’s back to cyclists again.  

Whilst TNU agrees that pedallers must have protection against potholes, surely they should contribute towards the roads they use and insurance made compulsory.  

From a practical point of view it is impossible to add a tariff to every bike, but the way around the problem is simple. Cyclers should be licensed, and insurance included.  

With this COMMENT TNU will distain from too much more reference on the expansion of cycle lanes (in the Borough of Harrow one little used track has been taken away, at another cost – it should never have happened in the first place), and the growth of posts on the highway allegedly to stop vehicles from penetrating cycle lanes, but in truth giving no flexibility to road users. They are dangerous.

Speed limits of 20mph are all the rage in London (blame the Mayor, who has never been to the London airports to see what commerce is all about.  Too far to cycle?) Overtaking by cyclists on the inside is the norm.  The lower speed limit adds 50% to journey times and 50% to pollution, never mind the frustration.

A Department for Transport (DfT) spokesperson said: “We are investing more than £5 billion from 2020 to 2025 into local highways maintenance, and recently announced an extra £200 million at the Budget to fix millions of potholes a year.

“This will help make journeys smoother and safer for all, repair dozens of bridges, and resurface roads up and down the country.”  The DfT also said that no research was being carried out in this area!

Enough of this rant.  Has the Nation gone to pots?

Make what you like of it and add to READERS COMMENTS.

The Road Surface Treatments Association 

Litter and the government

Little warning for Camden and you can prove anything with statistics

South London speed limits somewhat confusing in both metric (distances) and speed (Imperial)

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READERS' COMMENT

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 200 words maximum

David Tarsh, West London

If, like me and Malcolm, you are angered by so called "safer" cycle paths that are more dangerous when busy and otherwise empty; low traffic neighbourhoods which increase congestion; and clean air zones that don\\\\'t improve air quality, please sign this petition: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/633504 david@tarsh.com

William Smith, Willesden

It does appear that Mr Sunik (or his advisors) might read TNU and even with his chauffeured mode of transport is very aware of the pothole problem, as I read today’s papers. A real PR coupe for him. Next I expect exposure as he is seen cleaning up the sidewalks. He should take a walk up Whitehall and into the filthy Trafalgar Square area.

David Starkie, United Kingdom

A few observations. Around here (wilts/hants border)both councils spend money on maintaining single track lanes, sometimes cul de sac's but ignore busier roads which are in a dreadful state. Some highways are dreadful for litter. Drove the M26 in Kent a couple of weeks back, terrible litter. What must visitors driving to and from the Channel think. However, a big source appears to have blown off trucks. Some cycle lane spending is a total waste. Down the road is a 10 yard stretch with sign telling you so.